I think it is a good idea for students to know when best to reach you online.
Nilda:
Time zones can affect scheduling in North America also. There is a reasonable amount of time difference between the Atlantic coast and the Pacific coast. Of course it is more problematic for International students.
These are "virtual" office hours; so one way to manage this is to distribute the "virtual" office hours.
Satrohan
It all depends on where your students are located. If you have students all over America, you can probably have set office hours that everybody can effectively use.
But what about if your students are all over the world? No matter what office hours you set, some of your students will not be able to get in touch with you. They will be sleeping, eating, working, etc.
I think that if you are teaching any class, whether it be online or onground, you need to designate specific hours that you are available for students. In teaching onground my current students know at what times I am available outside the classroom. In the online environment, I am expecting to do the same.
Joanne:
The important factor here is that you maintain the hours to which you committed; and advise students if, due to extenuating circumstances, you canno tbe there for a session.
Satrohan
I have found that the only way to effectively set on-line office hours is to treat them like an on-ground class commitment - you have to be there! However, 'there' can be in your office or at home or at Starbucks or ... on-line is pretty flexible in terms of your location!
Yes; Lisa; we are referring to what some term virtual office hours---the equivalent of office hours Instructors set aside to meet with students to engage in telephone conversatios.
Satrohan
If what you're referring to is hours that you are available to the students, then I say "yes". Make them aware of what hours you'll be available & stick to it. If you don't want to be available on weekends & holidays, then let them know. I'm able to make this work.
Jo:
Your Institution can allocate a "Proctor"; however, virtual office hours are what they are, and students will requir answers when they contact someone during that time; so the "Proctor" must be able to answer the questions, as a minimum.
Satrohan
That is my point. I have many responsibilites at my job other than instructor, I am sure others our in the same way. Setting aside an exact time where I could commit to office hours on a regular basis is a difficult task. Could there be a proctor in place to take questions? Just a thought.
Of course, you can, Jo, and youmust be prepared to honor them. You can set your virtual office hours and advise students about them.
Satrohan
